We all know the crazy history.. The world’s most revered soft drink, the famed international icon, the word synonymous with ‘soda’… Coca Cola began with actual cocaine as an ingredient. Though there is no longer any coke in Coke, you’d be surprised where you can find coca nowadays. It is certainly true that the coca leaf has had a long and mottled history, dating back thousands of years. The plant has been used by Bolivian farmers and misused by almost everybody else… hey, the Coca Leaf will always attract controversy.Agwa Coca Leaf Liqueur

It’s the newest controversial player to toss their hat in the ring that is so darn interesting. Agwa de Bolivia liqueur allow drinkers to legally enjoy the mythical taste experience of Bolivian coca leaves. Hand picked wild Bolivian coca leaves are shipped to Amsterdam and processed (under armed guard) to be ‘decocainised‘. The leaves are then infused with alcohol and 36 natural herbs and botanicals to make the special liqueur.

Though coca leaves have been chewed by South American Indians for thousands of years, there has not been a mainstream (legal) product made with coca…. ever? Outside of a few teas and candies in Andean markets, the crop has literally been lost to the drug war. Coca’s ability to cause mild euphoria as well as other effects (many of which are particularly helpful in the high-altitude climates where the plant grows) makes it suspect with lawmakers and intriguing for distillers. This astounding leaf is not just for head rushes though. It is found that 100g of Bolivian coca leaves fulfill the dietary allowances for calcium, iron, phosphorous, vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin E.

It is only now, in this cold winter season that a new dawn of coca is upon us; AGWA de Bolivia. Hey, absinthe is again legal in the U.S., why not coca liqueur? Worth a sip in my book.

-bryan

The signature cocktail is the Bolivian Mojito, a minty twist on the standard mojito.

Ingredients
1.5 oz. AGWA de Bolivia Coca Leaf Liquor / 12 Spearmint leaves / 1/2 lime / 7 oz. Club soda / 2 tsp. Sugar

Preparation
In a large glass, gently crush mint leaves. Then, squeeze lime juice over crushed leaves. Add sugar and ice. Afterwards, add AGWA and club soda. Stir drink well. Garnish with a lime wedge and tiny pieces of mint leaves.

Many other holiday recipes can be found on our web site www.agwabuzz.com/drinks.  AGWA can also be purchased online and shipped anywhere in the U.S. at www.shoppersvineyard.com.